- any clever (deceptive) maneuver
"he would stoop to any device to win a point"

- an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
"the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"
"a device intended to conserve water"

- an emblematic design (especially in heraldry)
"he was recognized by the device on his shield"

- any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)

- something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect

1. That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.

"His device in against Babylon, to destroy it." -- Jer. li. 11.

"Their recent device of demanding benevolences." -- Hallam.

"He disappointeth the devices of the crafty." -- Job v. 12.

2. Power of devising; invention; contrivance.

"I must have instruments of my own device." -- Landor.

3. (a) An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance. (b) Improperly, an heraldic bearing.

"Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields." -- Addison.

"A banner with this strange device - Excelsior." -- Longfellow.

4. Anything fancifully conceived. Shak.

5. A spectacle or show. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

6. Opinion; decision. [Obs.] Rom. of R.

Syn. -- Contrivance; invention; design; scheme; project; stratagem; shift. -- Device, Contrivance. Device implies more of inventive power, and contrivance more of skill and dexterity in execution. A device usually has reference to something worked out for exhibition or show; a contrivance usually respects the arrangement or disposition of things with reference to securing some end. Devices were worn by knights-errant on their shields; contrivances are generally used to promote the practical convenience of life. The word device is often used in a bad sense; as, a crafty device; contrivance is almost always used in a good sense; as, a useful contrivance.